When winter settles in and evenings grow darker earlier, the Old Fashioned becomes the kind of cocktail that feels exactly right.
This Ginger Molasses Old Fashioned leans into the season with warmth, spice, and restraint—evoking gingerbread and dark caramel without drifting into dessert-drink territory. It’s familiar, aromatic, and just different enough to feel like a holiday upgrade rather than a novelty.
If you enjoy seasonal riffs, this recipe fits neatly alongside other Old Fashioned variations, including the Sugar Plum Old Fashioned and the Spiced Apple Cider Old Fashioned, all built on the same timeless structure with cold-weather flavor to make them delicious.
Why Lush Life Loves It
Ginger brings spice and heat. Molasses adds depth and a faint bitterness that balances the sweetness. Together, they give the drink a winter-ready character that still respects the Old Fashioned’s minimalist roots.
This is also a practical holiday cocktail. It’s quick to build, easy to batch, and adaptable depending on the bourbon you have on hand. If you’re selecting a bottle specifically for this recipe, our guide to the best bourbons for cocktails breaks down styles that hold up well against bold flavors like ginger and molasses.
Here is the recipe
Ginger Molasses Old Fashioned
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
- ¼ oz ginger syrup*
- ¼ oz molasses
- 2-3 dashes Angostura Bitters
- Garnish: Orange peel
- Optional: a small pinch of sea salt
- ice cube
Instructions
- *Ginger Syrup: If you don’t have ginger syrup, combine equal parts sugar and water with sliced fresh ginger; simmer 10 minutes, cool, strain.
- Add bourbon, ginger syrup, molasses, bitters, and a small pinch of sea salt to a mixing glass.
- Stir until well chilled—about 20 seconds.
- Strain into a rocks glass over one large cube.
- Express an orange peel over the drink, then drop it in.
Nutrition
Serving Notes
This drink works beautifully as a pre-dinner cocktail or alongside spiced nuts, dark chocolate, or ginger biscuits. For gatherings, it also performs well as a batch cocktail—combine everything except ice and garnish ahead of time, then pour and finish to order.
If you’re planning a seasonal menu, this recipe fits seamlessly into a lineup of holiday cocktails and winter bourbon drinks, especially those designed for relaxed evenings and informal entertaining.
FAQ
Can I use rye instead of bourbon?
Yes. Rye adds a sharper, drier spice that pairs well with ginger. The drink becomes slightly more assertive and less round.
Why isn’t my molasses dissolving smoothly?
Molasses needs thorough stirring. If it still resists, gently warm it before measuring or blend it directly into your ginger syrup.
Is this a good cocktail to batch?
Very much so. Combine bourbon, ginger syrup, and molasses in advance, refrigerate, and add bitters just before serving.
Looking for more cold-weather classics? Browse our full archive of bourbon cocktail recipes for seasonal and year-round inspiration.